Cutting-edge camp features swinging swords

Sure, there are other ways to get a nice cardio workout, but none that involves brandishing a long sword like a marauding Norman.

Which is partly what drew folks to a recent daylong sword camp sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association. For first-timers, it was curiosity and the chance to learn how to wield a long sword — think Hagar the Horrible’s sidearm. And for those experienced in historical European martial arts, it was a chance to practice, exercise and hang out with others who know their way around a sword.

Whatever it is, it’s not what’s seen in films, said sword camp instructor Jeremiah Backhaus.

“It’s faster than what you see in movies. In Robin Hood movies, they’re talking when they’re fighting. There’s actually no time for that. It’s extremely sophisticated,” Backhaus said.

Action and learning

Menachem Graupe signed up his four kids, ages 7 to 12.

“I thought it’d be a fun thing to do on vacation. They’ve never done anything like this before. It’s a little bit of action and a little bit of learning,” said Graupe of Mequon, Wis., as he snapped photos of his 7-year-old daughter Maya practicing with a white plastic sword at The Target Range.

“Let’s be honest. The world back then was ‘conquer or be conquered.’ You had to be able to defend yourself as efficiently as possible,” said Backhaus.

Some historical European martial arts enthusiasts are attracted by the history, while others like to do it for exercise or because they enjoy learning martial arts, Backhaus said. He trains with a police officer whose historical fencing expertise saved his life when someone lunged at him with a knife while he was on duty.

‘It’s awesome’

Sharon Goetz traveled to Jackson from her home in Davenport, Iowa, with two friends. She knows Backhaus from the Historical European Martial Arts Alliance and got involved in historical fencing seven years ago through a school friend. She and her friends practice Saturdays when the weather is nice at a park in Davenport.

They also travel to events like this week’s sword school in Jackson.

Though people are swinging at each other with swords, historical fencing is generally safe as long as both competitors abide by the rules, said Goetz. She has suffered only one serious injury in seven years, a smashed pinkie finger that required seven stitches.

“I’ve noticed a huge change in my self-confidence,” said Goetz. “Plus, it’s awesome. How many people do you know who can fight with a sword?”